State machine based universal voice grade cards

ABSTRACT

A fiber to the curb communication system providing telephone service to subscribers using line cards which are pluggable into a broadband network unit. The line cards provide telephone service to up to six lines per card. The cards are programmable from a central location, and the system includes self-testing of the cards, ring generator testing and provides for testing of the telephone lines from the system to the subscriber&#39;s location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/795,184, filed Feb. 4, 1997 entitled “Method and Apparatus forReliable Operation of Universal Voice Grade Cards”, now allowed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

The microfiche appendix, which is a part of the present disclosure,contains two sheets of microfiche having one hundred and fifty framesand is a netlist of the telephone interface unit ASIC (TIUA) used inconnection with an embodiment of the present invention. A portion of thedisclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject tocopyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to thefacsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patentfiles or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) systems can provide both traditionaltelecommunications services such as Plain Old Telephony service (POTS)as well as advanced services such as Switched Digital Video (SDV) andhigh speed data access. Because of the range of services which can besupported, it is likely that FTTC systems will be widely deployed bytelephone companies as they install new lines and upgrade theirnetworks.

Since POTS is the basic telephone service that is used by over 100million subscribers in the US, it is essential that the service bereliable. FTTC equipment provides POTS service by the use of a printedcircuit board containing electronics supporting one or more telephonelines, usually termed a universal voice grade (UVG) card. The UVG cardsare located in a broadband network unit which is typically located inthe neighborhood near a group of homes. In a widespread deployment ofFTTC there will be millions of UVG cards for BNUs, and the telephonecompanies will maintain large inventories of these cards forinstallation and maintenance.

Faulty operation of a UVG card may take place due to the fact that thecard has an electrical failure, or may occur due to an error in thesoftware, including hardware programmable state machines, containedwithin the card. In addition, it is possible that a UVG card may beincompatible with a particular FTTC system due to design flaws or faultymanufacturing. Key aspects in the operation of the UVG card include theproper functioning of any application specific integrated circuits(ASICs) on the card, proper functioning of the state machine whichcontrols the various states of the line including on-hook, off-hook, andringing, as well as the ability to modify the state machine in the caseof a programming error or system change, and the ability to properlytest the communications channel formed by the circuit on the UVG cardand the twisted air drop cable which connects the card to theresidential telephone wiring.

For the foregoing reasons there exists the need for methods andapparatus to identify the type and source of UVG cards in the FTTCsystem, properly test the functioning of any ASICs on the UVG card,verify state machine software and download new versions of state machinesoftware, and test the subscriber telephone line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a fiber-to-the-curb network;

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the broadband network unitillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of a portion of a UVG cardutilized in the broadband network unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the broadband network unitcommon control circuit;

FIG. 5, which is comprised of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E arranged asillustrated in the Key to FIG. 5, shows the electrical schematic of aportion of one UVG card;

FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of the application specificintegrated circuit utilized in a UVG card;

FIG. 7 shows the TDM interface signals between the broadband networkunit common control and the UVG cards;

FIG. 8 shows a format for the serial data bus which couples thebroadband network unit common control to the UVG cards;

FIG. 9A illustrates the format of a downstream channel for communicationfrom the system broadband network unit to UVG cards;

FIG. 9B illustrates the format of an upstream channel for communicationfrom UVG cards to the broadband network unit;

FIG. 9C shows a format for common control to UVG card control messages;

FIG. 9D illustrates commands used in the system;

FIG. 10 shows a procedure for initializing, authenticating and testing aUVG card;

FIG. 11 shows a loop start state diagram for a UVG card such as thatillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 shows a full state diagram for a UVG card such as thatillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12A shows the state machine control diagram for a signallingpreprocessing layer for a state machine according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a configuration for ringing, channel test, and drop accesstest relays on a prior art UVG card;

FIG. 14 shows an integrated ringing, channel test, and drop access testrelay in combination with a drop test resistor in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates the connectors utilized on UVG cards in the system;

FIG. 16 illustrates the ring generator circuit used in the system;

FIG. 17, which is comprised of FIGS. 17A and 17B arranged as illustratedin the key to FIG. 17, illustrates the microcontroller, an SRAM and aPROM used in the system;

FIG. 18, which is comprised of FIGS. 18A and 18B arranged as illustratedin the Key to FIG. 18, illustrates the TIUA used in the system;

FIG. 19 illustrates the identification memory, implemented by an EEPROM,used in the system.

FIG. 20 illustrates the inputs and outputs of the signallingpreprocessing state machine according to one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 21 illustrates a data structure for a state in the systemdisclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forcommunicating with a voice grade card in a fiber-to-the-curbtelecommunications system. In the method, a frame synchronization signalis provided to the voice grade card, and a frame based downstream timedivision multiplexed signal which includes a frame overhead channel,thirty voice channels and a control channel, is also provided to thecard. A frame based upstream time division multiplexed signal whichincludes a frame overhead channel, a plurality of voice channels and acontrol channel is transmitted from the card to the telecommunicationsystem.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a voice grade card forproviding telecommunications services in a fiber-to-the-curbtelecommunication system is provided, the card having means forreceiving a frame synchronization signal, means for receiving a framebased downstream time division multiplexed signal which includes a firstframe overhead channel, thirty voice channels and control channel. Thecard also includes means for transmitting a frame based upstream timedivision multiplexed signal includes a frame overhead channel, thirtyvoice channels and a control channel.

Additionally, a circuit for testing the loop of a voice gradetelecommunication circuit is provided, the circuit including at leastone test relay connecting at least one test bus to a pair of resistorswhich are in parallel circuit configuration and connecting the relay toa twisted drop pair having a tip wire and a ring wire, and a drop testresistor placed in a shunt configuration between said tip wire and saidring wire.

And yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method fortesting a ring generator circuit on a voice grade card in atelecommunications system is provided. The test method involvesgenerating a first pulse train signal having a first duty cycle andapplying this signal to the ring generator circuit, then measuring theDC voltage output of the ring generator circuit. Additionally a secondpulse train signal having a second duty cycle is applied to the ringgenerator circuit and the DC voltage output of the ring generatorcircuit is measured. To determine whether the ring generator circuit isoperating acceptably, the first and second DC voltages are compared topredetermined levels which are known to be acceptable.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a ring generator testcircuit is provided which includes a means for generating a first pulsetrain signal having a first duty cycle and a second pulse train signalhaving a second, different duty cycle and a means for applying theoutput of the pulse generating circuit to the ring generator and meansfor measuring an output voltage from the ring generator circuitresulting from the application of the first and second pulse trainsignals.

In another embodiment of the present invention a method in apparatus isprovided for testing a ring generator in a voice grade card in afiber-to-the-curb telecommunications system. In the method, a firstdigital pulse train signal is applied to the ring generator and theringing frequency of the ring generator circuit measured. Thereafter, asecond, different digital pulse train signal is applied to the ringgenerator and the ringing frequency from the ring generator circuit ismeasured. Finally, the method is completed by determining whether thefirst ringing frequency and the second ringing frequency are withinacceptable operational limits. The circuit for testing a ring generatoroperating according to the above method includes a pulse traingenerating circuit for generating the first and second digital pulsetrain signals. Means are provided for applying the output of the pulsegenerating circuit to the ringer and means are provided for measuringthe frequency of an output from the ring generator circuit in responseto the application of first and second pulse train signals.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method is providedfor controlling the telephone line states in a fiber-to-the-curbtelecommunications system having a voice grade card for providing voicetelecommunication services. In this method, (i) the output stateinformation is stored for the line states, (ii) a variable whichrepresents a number of branches for the states is stored, (iii) branchcondition information which includes signalling data, line status andtimer information which indicate branching conditions is stored.Additionally, branch address information is stored and branch conditioninformation is compared to determine if the branching conditions havebeen met. Finally the step of retrieving subsequent output datainformation and branch address information is performed when thebranching conditions are met.

A method is provided for testing a voice grade card in afiber-to-the-curb telecommunications system. In this method, a firstseed value is provided to the card, the first seed value and a secondseed value stored in the card are used to generate a data streamcomprising bits. The generated bits are compared with a predeterminedbit pattern to determine if the card is functioning properly.

A controllable voice grade card for a fiber-to-the-curbtelecommunications system is provided, the card being controllable byfour byte messages received in a control channel.

A method of communicating with a controllable voice grade card in afiber-to-the-curb telecommunications system is provided, the methodincluding receiving a first message with a downstream command code, andtransmitting a reply message with an upstream reply code where the replycode is equal to the downstream command code plus a hexadecimal value.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of communicating acontrol message to a controllable voice grade card is provided, themethod being performed by dividing the control message into a pluralityof subportions; placing said message subportions into a plurality offrames of a frame based time division multiplexed signal; sending aplurality of frames of said frame based time division multiplexed signalto the card; and assembling the control message subportions to create acontrol message for controlling the voice grade card.

Further in accordance with the invention, a computer readable mediumwhich comprises a plurality of state data structures used to define astate of telephone equipment is provided. The data structure for eachstate includes one or more branch data structures, each branch datastructure defining a state transition that the telephone equipment is totake upon receiving an input. Each branch data structure includes dataelements A and B, where A defines bit positions in which the input musthave 1s for a state transition to take place, and B defines bitpositions in which the input must have 0s for the state transition totake place. Finally the data structure includes a data element definingthe address of the state data structure for the next telephoneequipments state.

In a further embodiment in the present invention, a state machine isprovided for a voice grade card used in a fiber-to-the-curbtelecommunications system having a broadband network unit. The statemachine includes a signalling preprocessing layer which includes aplurality of branches. The signally preprocessing layer receivessignalling information from the broadband network unit and providescontrol information. The state machine further includes a main controllayer having a plurality of branches, the main control layer receivingoutputs from the signalling preprocessing layer and providing control ofa plurality of branches in the main control layer to control theoperations of telephone equipment connected to the voice grade card.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Table of Contents

I. Fiber-to-the-curb systems

A. System overview

B. Broadband Network Unit overview

C. Universal Voice Grade card overview

II. Universal Voice Grade Card

A. Universal Voice Grade initialization overview

B. Universal Voice Grade card authentication

C. Universal Voice Grade card test

1. Ring generator test

2. TIUA self-test

D. State machine description, operation and downloading

E. Two-layer State Machine

F. Flexible State Machine

III. Universal Voice Grade card circuit and loop testing

I. Fiber-to-the-curb Systems

A. System overview

FIG. 1 illustrates FTTC system 1 which is comprised of broadband digitalterminal (BDT) 100, which is connected by an optical fiber 200 to abroadband network units (BNU) 110A and 110B. The BNUs 110A and B eachcontain an optical receiver and transmitter to receive signals from andsend signals to BDT 100, as well one or more UVG cards 140 which connectto residences 175 via twisted pair drop cable 60. In the residence 175the in-home twisted pair cable connects the telephone 185 to the twistedpair drop able 260.

BDT 100 is connected to telecommunications networks via a publicswitched telecommunication network (PSTN) switch 10, and networks foradvanced services such as the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network7.

The FTTC system can be controlled through the use of an elementmanagement system (EMS) 150 which is software which runs on aworkstation or computer which is connected to BDT 100. EMS 150 providesthe ability to provision services or equipment which is effect theability to modify the state of equipment in the system or provide newservices. EMS 150 can typically be operated locally by an operator atthe workstation or PC, or remotely via a connection through the PSTNswitch 10 or the ATM network 7. EMS 150 also provides the ability tomonitor and control the UVG cards 140 in the BNU 110.

Telecommunications systems are based on standards which have evolvedover many years and insure compatibility of equipment from differentmanufacturers as well as providing clearly defined and precisespecifications for different types of telecommunications services sothat these services can be provided across geographic boundaries in anetwork with various generations of analog and digitaltelecommunications equipment. For FTTC systems the Bellcorespecification TA-NWT-000909, entitled “Generic Requirements andObjectives for Fiber in the Loop Systems, Issue 2, December 1993,provides a comprehensive description of the requirements for FTTCsystems as well as signaling and transmission requirements for UVGcircuits, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

B. Broadband Network Unit Overview

A block diagram of the BNU 110A shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG.2. The BNU 110A contains a broadband network unit power supply (BNUPS)804 which receives a voltage from an external source at power supplyheader 848, and can power terminal equipment by connections made at a4-drop header 856. BNU 110A further contains BNU Common Control (BNUCC)800 which receives signals from optical fiber 200 at an opticalconnector 844. The BNUCC 800 contains the circuitry to send and receiveoptical signals, as well as a microprocessor and associated software tocommunicate with the BDT 100 and control the UVG cards 140.

BNU 110A illustrated in FIG. 2 includes four UVG line cards indicated byreference characters 140A-140D. The transfer of information betweenBNUCC 800 and UVG cards 140A-140D are provided by a serial bus indicatedin FIG. 2 as 882A-D. One bus communicating between BNUCC 800 andassociated UVG card. Each UVG card includes three UVG circuits 812 asillustrated in FIG. 2. Each UVG circuit 812 provides POTS service to 2lines. FIG. 3 illustrates in block diagram form the circuits for two ofthe POTS lines provided by UVG card 140A. A detailed electricalschematic of the circuitry for these two lines are illustrated in FIGS.5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E, which will be described below.

Each UVG card 140A-140D includes a connector 860A-860D respectively forproviding POTS service to 6 lines. FIG. 15 illustrates in detail oneconnector 860, illustrating the signals for the respective pins on theconnector. Additionally, the pin connections are also illustrated inTable 4 below.

Turning to FIG. 4, a functional block diagram is illustrated of theBNUCC 800 which is part of broadband network unit 110A. As will beappreciated from reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, BNUCC 800 provides theinterface between the optical output from broadband digital terminal 100and the UVG cards. As indicated above, the input to the UVG cards is inthe time division multiplexed (TDM )signal format.

Referring to FIG. 4 which is a functional block diagram of BNUCC 800,BNUCC 800 includes circuitry to convert optical TDM signals toelectrical TDM signals which are supplied to UVG cards 140A-140D. Thisstarts with BDT 100 and the fiber connection via optical fiber 200, asingle fiber connection carrying Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (“SDH”)ATM data. This SDH-like data is intercepted in the BNUCC 800 by thebidirectional optics (BIDI) 401. BIDI 404 converts the optical signalreceived over fiber 200 into an electrical signal which is 155 megahertz(which is SDH-like ATM data). SDH-like ATM signals are provided to theBNUA 402. Initially, the first block that the SDH-like ATM signals areprocessed by is the SDH-like framer 403, which is scanning the incoming155 megahertz signal for the framing information so that it cansynchronize and determine where the data is and where the variouscomponents of the SDH-like frame format are. Once that occurs, theframes are delineated with respect to the location of the messagingbytes and all of the data. Framer 403 organizes the data both incomingand outgoing to the SDH-like stream, to provide communication to andfrom UVG cards 140-140D. The cross connect table in TIUI 404 alsofunctions in the reverse direction to appropriately direct informationwhich is going upstream (from the UVG cards to BIDI optics 401 to placedata in the correct DS0 in the SDH-like frame. The TIUI interface unit404 includes a cross connect table which is programmed by microprocessor405 to direct the appropriate DS0s from the SDH-like stream to the UVG140A-140D cards. This corresponds to the 4 megahertz interface asdescribed in FIG. 8 and the frame format interface between BNUCC 800 andthe UVG cards. Microprocessor 405 programs those cross connects frommessages that it receives from the BDT100 over the same SDH-like link ina different section of the frame.

The power supply interface (PSI) 406 is coupled to the microprocessor405 to monitor the power supply both as to how much power is being drawnand its status in controlling the LEDs and relays 410 and 411. This is alow speed interface which allows communication to occur between theBNUCC 800 and the power supply 804.

PSI 406 is also controlled by microprocessor 405. Also included in BNUCC800 are miscellaneous LEDs 408 which are controlled by themicroprocessor 405 or the BNUA 402.

Test circuitry 407 is connected to the back plane connector 860 (FIG.15) test pair 409 to all of the UVG cards to allow single test circuitryto test any of the line cards lines. With six lines per UVG line card,and with four UVG line cards in a BNU, this allows a single set of testcircuitry in the BNUCC800 to test any of those twenty-four twisted pairsvia the test pair 409. Microcontroller 405 also controls that testcircuitry.

C. Universal Voice Grade card overview

UVG cards 140A-D illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 provide POTS service to anumber of residences, one of which is indicated by reference character175, served by BNU 110, and can provide this service through a LoopStart or Ground Start line/trunk interface. Typically, 6 subscribercircuits (POTs lines) are served from each UVG card 140A-D. Referring toFIG. 2 the UVG card 140A contains three dual line UVG circuits 812 suchas the one illustrated in FIG. 3. Although not shown, UVG cards 140B-Dalso include three UVG circuits 812.

The UVG card 140 also provides metallic test access toward thecommunications channel formed by the UVG circuit and toward the twistedpair drop cable 260. The functions of loop sense, ringing, and ring tripare provided, as are tip open condition, (ground start idle condition),and ring ground detection.

A ringing generator is included on each UVG card 140A-D, which iscapable of providing 40 V rms in to a 5 ringing equivalent (REN) load.Ring generator circuit 890 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 16 andis illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 16,ring generator circuit 890 is implemented utilizing an Lucent Technologyring generator chip designated the L 7590, with associated electricalcomponents as indicated. The output of ring generator 890 is providedover line 896.

Further reference to FIG. 3, UVG card 140A is shown in block diagramform. In FIG. 3, only one UVG circuit 812 is illustrated for simplicity,however it will be appreciated by reference to FIG. 2 that each UVG cardincludes three UVG circuits 812. Each UVG card includes a TIU ASICcircuit which provides interface between the BNUCC800 common control andthe UVG circuits 812. In FIG. 3, the TIUA is indicated by referencecharacter 880.

A better appreciation of the TIUA 880 will be had by reference to FIG.6. Referring to FIG. 6, TIUA 880 is comprised of TDM demux 601 whichreceives from BNUCC 800 TDM data down (TDMDD), TDM clock (TDMCLK) andthe TDM frame sync (TDMFS). TDM demux 601 puts out the variouscomponents of each frame, including the parity, splits out thesignalling and data link information (the messaging) and the error bits.That information is carried both to the data link block 602 and thesignalling block 603. The PCM data down flows out through 389 to theDSLAC™ circuits. The signalling information is on a per line basis, thusthere are six lines of signalling flowing into the internal statemachine 604 and also to the microprocessor interface 605. The data linkinformation also flows into internal state machine 604 and iP interface605. The data link data is updated every 500 microseconds as describedbelow in the section describing the data link information. The data linkinformation is comprised of four bytes, the command, two bytes ofaddress, and one byte of data as illustrated in FIG. 9C. Two times in asuperframe, every four regular frames, a new data link message isreceived.

A portion of the data link message is provided in each frame, and afterreceiving four of them, a complete message is assembled and is presentedto both internal state machine 604 and to the microprocessor interface605.

FIG. 8 describes an entire frame and shows that in channel 31 there is acontrol number 1 (CTL#1) and control number 2 (CTL#2). For each frame,frame 1 through 8 of the superframe, there is associated a piece of thedata link message, either command, a high address, low address, or data.TDM demux 601 keeps track of what frame it is in, and builds the datalink message out of four of these submessages and presents that to boththe internal state machine 604 and to the microprocessor interface 605.The signalling is updated each frame and that is associated with thechannels one through six.

TIUA 880 is configured such that the UVG line card may be controlledeither by internal state machine 604 or through the use ofmicrocontroller 884 in conjunction with TIUA 880. The control pindetermines which of the two controls the remaining part at line cardcircuit. Microcontroller 884 interfaces to iP interface 605 and its ownmemory, and can read and write registers inside the TIUA 880. If thecontrol pin is set to allow internal state machine 604 to have control,microcontroller 884 will not have any effect on the upstream data link606 or the DSLAC, SLIC, ringer and EEPROM control 607. By having boththe iP interface 605 and the internal state machine 604 going to MUX1and MUX2, then the choice of which one is passed is controlled by acontrol pin.

Upstream data link 606 contains the immediate four bytes received fromeither microcontroller 884 or internal state machine 604 and feeds thoseinto TX TDM MUX 608. TX TDM MUX 608 creates the up data. PCM data anddata link messaging all pass through TX TDM MUX 608 and go upstream tothe BNUCC 800. There is also control of the data from the DSLAC™circuits, the SLICs and the ringers being based off either of thecontrollers.

TX TDM MUX 608 takes in the PCM data from the DSLAC™ circuits and putsit into channel 1, channel 2, and channel 3 of the upstream frame. TXTDM MUX 608 also takes the upstream data link and places it into channel31. And TX TDM MUX 608 also takes in the upstream signalling informationfrom the control out of mux 2 and places that in the correct channels,channel 1, channel 2, and channel 3.

Thus TX TDM MUX 608 has these three data inputs that are available toit, and substitutes that information in at the correct time slots tocreate the upstream frame illustrated in FIG. 8.

Finally, ringer PWM 609 creates a pulse width modulated signal which isan (inaudible) input to ring generator 890. The output signal fromringer PWM is a 20 hertz signal which describes a trapezoid and feedsinto the ring generator 890 which creates a high voltage signalrepresenting that pulse width modulated signal.

The netlist for TIUA 880 is set forth in the microfiche Appendix whichis part of the present disclosure. Information being provided to TIUA880 from the BNUCC 800 is provided over bus 882A, which is a fourconductor bus and carries the signals indicated in FIG. 7 which will bedescribed below.

In addition to the TIUA 880, each UVG card also includes amicrocontroller and SRAM. For UVG card 140A, these are indicatedrespectively by reference characters 884 and 887. Circuit diagrams forthe microcontroller 884 and SRAM 887 are illustrated in FIG. 17microcontroller 884 may be implemented using generally availableproducts such as for example a Motorola 68HC11D3 microcontroller whichis the device illustrated in FIG. 17. Also illustrated in FIG. 17 isSRAM 887 which in this embodiment is a 32K×8 SRAM. A suitable SRAM forthis purpose is an Integrated Device Technology SRAM denoted IDT712565A. Of course other manufacturer's devices having the indicatedsource capacity may also be used as a substitute.

The TIUA 880 may be implemented using for example a 10K gate FPGA suchas that illustrated in FIG. 18. The device illustrated in FIG. 18 may bepurchased from Xilinx Corp., the device illustrated in FIG. 18 being aXC 5210 device.

The EEPROM utilized in the line card may be for example a 93C46 devicefrom a supplier such as Atmel or SGS Thomson, National Semiconductorwhich is illustrated in FIG. 19.

Turning to UVG circuit 812 illustrated in FIG. 3, it will be noted thata dual subscriber line audio processing circuit device, indicated byreference character 900A/B, is coupled to TIUA 880. Device 900A/Bconverts the PCM signals received from TIUA 880 to analog signals whichare supplied to subscriber line interface circuits indicated as 906A and906B, which will be described below. Device 900A/B may be implementedutilizing any commercially available circuitry such as a chip fromAdvanced Micro Devices denoted the Am79C031. Advanced Micro Devices usesthe term DSLAC™ as a trademark for its dual subscriber line audioprocessing circuit devices. For convenience, the term DSLAC™ is usedwhen referring to circuit 900A/B. The Advanced Micro Devices AM79C031device is described in detail on pages 2-73 through 2-116 of its databook Publication No. 09875, Rev. G: Amendment 10, issue date December1994, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Analternate design choice for a dual audio line subscriber audio circuitis the Siemens SiCoFi device.

DSLAC™ device 900A/B utilizes a simple 4-wire PCM interface for audioand a second 4-wire serial command interface for programming, and SLICcontrol/status. TIUA 880 provides all the PCM and Control interfacesignals with the control and status information being available throughregisters.

As illustrated in FIG. 5E, the PCM interface consists of the two PCMhighway signals indicated as PCMUP and PCMDN, a 4.096 MHz clockindicated as PCMCLKBUF, and a frame sync indicated as PCMFS. The framesync signal is a Start of Frame indicator, and DSLAC™ device 900A/Bprovides a Time Slot Assignment Circuit with provisional registers toallow for full programmability. The DSLAC™ device 900A/B also allows forup to 7 clock delays in either the transmit or receive PCM; used inconjunction with the byte oriented TSAC, this allows for a programmablebit-offset of the PCM in both directions, relative to the SOF marker.All of these functions are accessible through the serial data link viamicrocontroller 884 and TIUA 880.

A control interface is used for a combination of real-time and nonreal-time information. At startup, it is used to configure the DSLAC™device circuit 900A/B internal DSP. During service, it is used to powerup and down the appropriate sections of the DSLAC™ device. During calls,it is used to control control bits to SLIC A and SLIC B.

The control interface consists of four signals: data (bi-directional),clock, and two chip selects—one for each channel. Multiple DSLAC™ devicechannels can be addressed at one time by activating multiple CS leadssimultaneously. These leads are controlled by microcontroller 884 via aregister within the TIUA 880. For obvious reasons, only one DSLAC™device channel may be read at any time.

All commands written to the DSLAC™ device which require additional bytesto be input must have those bytes sent as the next N bytes. Any commandwhich expects to see data output from the DSLAC™ device must see thosebytes as the next N bytes on the interface. No further input commandbytes will be accepted by the DSLAC™ device until all N bytes have beenoutput by the DSLAC™ device. See the AMD data sheet for a description ofthe valid DSLAC™ device commands. Note that not all commands haveadditional bytes associated with them. In general, write commands are ateven command values, and read commands are at odd command value withinthe DSLAC™ device circuit 900A/B.

The DSLAC™ device provides 5 general purpose I/O pins to control theSLIC functions. These pins are accessed through the serial interface.All five pins can be provisioned as either inputs (default at reset) oroutputs. The mapping of the C bits from DSLAC™ device 900A/B to theinput pins on SLIC A 906A and SLIC B 906B is shown in Table 2. All fivepins are used as outputs.

TABLE 1 DSLAC™ Device Control Interface DSLAC™ Device Signal SLICControl Bits C1A/B C1 C2A/B C2 C3A/B C3 C4A/B BSW C5A/B E1

The outputs from DSLAC™ device 900A/B in the inputs to subscriber lineinterface circuits 906A and 906B are illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5F.Subscriber line interface circuits 906A and 906B may be implementedutilizing commercially available devices such as the Advanced MicroDevices' product denoted Am7949. The Advanced Micro Devices Am7949subscriber line interface circuit is described in detail on pages 1-141through 1-156 of their data book Publication #:18507, Rev:AAmendment:10, issue date:December 1994, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. Circuits 906A and 906B are illustratedin FIGS. 5B and 5D respectively, each functioning with an associatedline card access switch indicated at 910A and 910B respectively toprovide POTS service to lines 260A and 260B.

Each SLIC provides a constant current battery feed to the subscriberloop, which shall be programmed to provide 22 mA out to a TER of 450Ù(given the tolerances of the SLIC current feed, this will guarantee 20mA of loop current). Each SLIC also performs loop sense and ring tripdetection, tip and ring polarity reversals, provides ring relay driversand provides a battery switch function to allow two different batteryvoltages to be used. Each UVG card 140A-140D uses two different batteryvoltages, one for the Standby (Idle) state, and one for the Activestate; this results in a lower overall power consumption for the circuitthan if only one battery voltage were used. The SLIC also performs 2-4wire VF coupling. The receive (D-A) signal is input to a current summingnode {RSN, current gain=00}, along with a DC feedback voltage from theline drivers. The transmit signal Vtx is coupled directly into theDSLAC™'s device transmit amplifier.

Internal to each SLIC, there is a loop current detector, a ground-keydetector and a comparator for ring trip detection. The output of thesedetectors is combined internally to form the IDET signal. The activedetector is selected via the control leads C1-C3, the E1 lead. Theseleads also determine the state of the ring relay driver {“Ringing”state, 001}, polarity reversal, tip open, or tip and ring opencircuited. See Table 1.

TABLE 2 SLIC Control States IDET OUTPUT C3 C2 C1 SLIC STATE E1 = 1 E1 =0 0 0 0 OPEN CIRCUIT Ring Trip Ring Trip 0 0 1 RINGING Ring Trip RingTrip 0 1 0 ACTIVE Loop Det. Ground Key 0 1 1 ON-HOOK Loop Det. GroundKey TRANS. [OHT] 1 0 0 TIP OPEN Loop Det. Ground Key 1 0 1 STANDBY LoopDet. Ground Key 1 1 0 ACTIVE POL Loop Det. Ground Key REVERSE 1 1 1 OHTPOL Loop Det. Ground Key REVERSE

The E1 lead selects between a Loop Detector (measures sum of current inTip and Ring leads) and a Ground Key Detector (measures current only inthe Ring lead).

Two batteries are provided for the SLIC, one for on-hook conditions(approximately −50 Vdc), and the other for off-hook conditions(approximately −24 Vdc). The primary reason for having the higherbattery voltage in the on-hook condition is for compatibility to theMechanized Loop Testing (“MLT”) equipment that the regional BellOperating Companies use. In the BNU application as illustrated in FIG. 1this requirement does not apply. Switching between the two batteryvoltages is controlled by the BSW pin on the SLIC, with a logic highenabling the on-hook battery, and a logic low enabling the off-hookbattery.

Microcontroller 884 controls C1, C2, C3, and BSW signals through the Cbits of DSLAC™ device 900 A/B. The IDET output from the SLIC 906A/B willbe read via a status register in TIUA 880.

There are three relay functions in the UVG circuit; these functions areprovided by a Lucent Technology solid state relay indicated in FIGS. 5Aand 5C by Lucent Technology part number 7583, which are discussed in thedescription of the line card access switches (LCAS) 910A and 910B. EachSLIC has two built-in relay drivers available. One is controlled by theC1-C3 control bits, and is activated when the SLIC is in the RINGINGstate (C3C2C1=001). The second has a separate control input to the SLIC.Both drivers are essentially open collector NPN transistors, with a 7.2Vzener diode snubber to ground for protection against back EMF from EMRcoils. Due to a polarity mismatch in the Ring Relay driver output, theRing Relay in the LCAS is driven directly from TIUA 880.

The ring trip circuit is composed of a comparator in the associated SLICwhich senses the current through a 100Ù ringing feed resistor. It uses apair of RC networks across the inputs to the comparator which filter outthe AC portion of the ringing signal. The comparator input (DA) on themore positive side of the ringing source will be more positive than theinput (DB) on the more negative side of the ringing source for anon-hook line. When the line goes off-hook, the voltage at DB remainsrelatively constant and the voltage at DA drops so that the differenceof the two voltages reverses polarity and the comparator output changesfrom high to low.

Additional filtering is required to protect against short transients onIDET when switching ringing on or off; this may require a routine in thesoftware to completely ignore the IDET signal lead for as much as 50msec following the removal of ringing, in order to allow the energystored in the line and ringer s to discharge. The ring trip comparatoris automatically switched in and out of the circuit by the SLIC, basedupon the status of the control leads.

External components are used in connection with each SLIC to program theoutput level of the constant current source and also to set the currentdetection value of the loop current detector. The constant currentsource's output level is determined by two resistors, RDC1 and RDC2.These resistors are connected between the RSN& RDC pins on the SLIC. Thebattery feed circuit produces a voltage of 2.5V at RDC {−2.5V for normalpolarity and +2.5V for reverse polarity}. The current level output bythe feed circuit is determined by the following relationship:

I _(FEED)=(2.5*200)/(RDC 1+RDC 2)

Making RDC1 and RDC2 both equal to 11.3 Kohms will provide approximately22 mA of loop current.

A capacitor (CDC) connected to the mid-point of the two RDC resistorscontrols the speed at which the battery feed circuit reacts to thechanges in the condition of the loop {such as during polarity reversals;or when switching from the Ringing state to the Active state after aring trip, when the current feed is trying to switch from an open loopcondition to a closed loop feed condition.} According to AMD, thiscapacitor should be chosen such that the time constant produced by CDCand RDC1/RDC2 is approximately 1.5 msec. This equates to a 0.27iFcapacitor.

The loop detector trip threshold is set by resistor Rd. The RD pin has acurrent output which is equal to the loop current divided by 292; theinternal detector has a threshold set to 1.25V by an internal reference.The voltage at the RD pin is therefore equal to the current times Rd:

(I _(thresh)/292)*Rd=1.25

or

Rd=365/I _(thresh)

A capacitor Cd may be added to provide some delay in on-hook to off-hooktime in order to partially filter switching transients, and is typicallychosen for 0.5 msec of delay. However, no capacitor is used on the TIURD lead since IDET filtering is being provided elsewhere.

As will be appreciated by reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5Dand 5E, line card access (LCAS) circuits 910A and 910B respectively areused to couple SLIC A 906A and SLIC B 906B to subscriber lines 260A and260B respectively. LCAS 910A and 910B may be implemented usingconventionally available circuitry such as that from AT&T and indicatedby part number ATTL7583 (which is shown in schematics of FIGS 5A and5C.)

There are three functions in the UVG circuit 812 that require relayoperations: one is ringing, and the other two are to provide Test-In andTest-Out access to the CIRCUIT and the DROP. The LCAS circuits providesall three of these relay functions, plus built-in SLIC protection,current limiting and thermal shutdown.

The ring relay portion of the LCAS also provides a zero-current crossswitch mechanism on release. This eliminates the need for externalcircuitry to perform this function, and should serve to minimize impulsenoise within the system. Ideally, ringing should be applied at azero-voltage cross, and removed at a zero current cross. The LCASsatisfies the zero-current turn-off requirement; due to low level of theringing value used, the zero-voltage turn-on is not as critical as thezero-current turn-off.

In the talk state, the LCAS provides approximately 20Ù of matchedimpedance into the tip and ring leads. This will tend to provide somecurrent limiting for the SLIC in the event of an overvoltage/overcurrentcondition on the line. By controlling the order and timing of operationof the control leads to the LCAS, either make-before-break orbreak-before-make operation can be accomplished. The UVG card isoperated in the break-before-make mode.

The LCAS provides several protection functions. The switches willdynamically current limit to about 2.5 A for a fast lightning surge andthermally to 250 mA during a slower power cross condition. During anextended power cross, the switches will open completely and enterthermal shutdown mode. In addition, a diode bridge offers tertiaryprotection by bridging small overvoltage conditions to ground andbattery and high-current overvoltage conditions to ground.

The functions of the LCAS are controlled via the Testin, Testout, andRinging control leads. These signals will be driven from a controlregister in the TIUA ASIC and are common to all six lines on the TIUcard; each LCAS has a transparent latch built-in, and this latch iscontrolled by six RLYLNSEL signals from the TIUA. The following tableshows the relationship of the control inputs to the switch states.

TABLE 3 RING TEST IN TEST-OUT BREAK Ring Test-In Test-Out Ring Test LineState Input Input Input TSD Switch Switch Switch Switch Switch Idle Talk0 0 0 5 V/Float On Off Off Off Off Test Out 0 0 5 V 5 V/Float Off OffOff On Off Test In 0 5 V 0 5 V/Float Off Off On Off Off Test In/Out 0 5V 5 V 5 V/Float Off Off On On Off Ringing 5 V 0 0 5 V/Float Off On OffOff Off All Off 5 V 0 5 V 5 V/Float Off Off Off Off Off Test Ringing 5 V5 V 0 5 V/Float Off Off Off Off On Test Ringing & drop 5 V 5 V 5 V 5V/Float Off Off Off On On All Off X X X 0 V Off Off Off Off Off

A transient over-voltage protector 918A is used to protect the LCAS 910Afrom excessive voltages. Similarly, over-voltage protector 918B is usedto protect LCAS 910B. A suitable design choice for the transientover-voltage protectors 918A and B is the Teccor P2103 200 V Sidactor.

Protector resistor 920A consists of two resistors, one in series withthe tip (T) line 266A and one in series with the ring (R) line 268Awhich together form the twisted pair drop cable 260A. The line feedresistors serve to protect the UVG circuit from overvoltages, inparticular overvoltages due to lightning strikes. Thick film orwirewound fusible protection resistors are typically used. A suitabledesign choice for a line feed resistor in line feed section 920A is a50Ù thick film resistor on a ceramic substrate. As disclosed in FIG. 3,line feed section 920B (which is of the same construction as 920A) isused for line 260B.

A gas tube or carbon block device at the premises 175 is used inconjunction with the transient over-voltage protector 918 and line feedsection to provide over-voltage protection. Line feed section 920presents sufficient resistance such that in the event of a lightningstrike the voltage at the premises will remain sufficiently high toactivate the gas tube or carbon block in addition to activatingtransient over-voltage protector 918.

UVG card connectors 860 allow connection of the UVG card to backplaneinterconnects 808 which provide connectivity to the BNUCC 800. Thebackplane interconnects 808 provide connections to a number of signalsincluding data buses which contain telecommunications data forsubscribers as well as control information from the BDT 100 or the BNUCC800, and power and ground for the UVG card itself.

Table 4 illustrates a typical pin usage for a 3×32 European DINconnector which can be used for the UVG card connector 860. Connector860 is also illustrated schematically in FIG. 15.

TABLE 4 Pin Connections for UVG card connector 860 ROW A ROW B ROW C  1VCC VCC_Pre¹ VCC  2 GND GND¹ GND  3 VDD VDD_Pre¹ VDD  4 TCLK GND¹ TDD  5GND TFs TUD  6 BpRst* GND —  7 GND — —  8 VAA VAA_Pre¹ VAA  9 GND GNDGND 10 VEE VEE_Pre¹ VEE 11 — — — 12 VBB1 VBB1_Pre¹ VBB1 13 VBB2VBB2_Pre¹ VBB2 14 BGND BGND¹ BGND 15 — — — 16 FGND FGND FGND 17 RGND —VRNG 18 — — — 19 TIT — TIR 20 TOT — TOR 21 — — — 22 TIP A — RING A 23 —— — 24 TIP B — RING B 25 — — — 26 TIP C — RING C 27 — — — 28 TIP D —RING D 29 — — — 30 TIP E — RING E 31 — — — 32 TIP F — RING F Superscript1 (¹) above indicates a First Level Contact early make pin. —: PinRemoved

TIUA 880 may be implemented utilizing a field programmable gate array(FPGA). In the system described herein, TIUA 880 is implementedutilizing a Xilinx Corporation FPGA 5210TQ144 chip which is illustratedin FIG. 18. It will of course be recognized that FPGAs from othermanufacturers may be utilized in practicing the present invention. Table5 below sets forth the signal name in, number of pins, and explanatorynotes in a description of the signals related to the pin.

TABLE 5 Pin # Signal Name # Pins Note IO Description TDMDU 1 BB 0Upstream TDM serial data bus. (Individual) TDMCLK 1 BB I TDM bus clock @4.096 MHz (Common) TDMDD 1 BB I Downstream TDM serial data bus.(Individual) TDMCTL 1 BB I TDM bus control (Common) TDMFS 1 BB I TDMComposite Sync (Common) TDMSP1 1 BB I/O TDM Spare 1 (Common) TDMSP2 1 BBI/O TDM Spare 2 (Common) RLYLNSEL 6 RY O Select for six relays [1:6]sharing a common data bus. RLYTIN 1 RY O Test in relay control signal(Common to relays) RLYTOUT 1 RY O Test Out relay control signal (Commonto relays) RLYRNG 1 RY O Ring relay control signal (Common to relays)PCMDU 1 CD I Data Up from DSLAC ™ devices (Common) PCMDD 1 CD O DataDown to DSLAC ™ devices (Common) PCMFS 1 CD O Frame Sync for PCM busPCMCLK 1 CD O Clock for PCM bus. CO_DIO 1 CD I/O Codec Data In/Out CO_CS6 CD O Chip Select for Codec [1:6]* programming: Active Low IDET [1:6] 6I I Detect signals from the SLICs RNG 1 O PWM signal for RingGenerator - 20 Hz Trapezoid RNG_EN 1 O An active low control signal forpowering down the ringer circuit. EE_DI 1 EE I EEPROM Data in EE_DO 1 EEO EEPROM Data out EE_CLK 1 EE O EEPROM communica- tions clock. EE_CS 1EE O EEPROM chip select (active high) RST* 1 I/O Reset for TIUA. RST_(—)1 O Inverted Reset P_ADDH 8 P I Processor address in [7:0] P_DATA 8 PI/O Processor data in/out [7:0] PCLK 1 P I Processor clock P_ADDL 8 P OProcessor Low order [7:0] address byte for use by other externaldevices. P_RW 1 P I Processor Read/Write signal P_AS 1 P I ProcessorAddress Strobe signal P_INT* 1 P O Interrupt to Processor (Active Low)M_OE* 1 M O Memory Output Enable (Active Low) M_WR* 1 M O Memory Write(Active Low) M_CS* 1 M O Memory Chips select/ (Active Low) VCC 12 I 4core + 0 ÷ 4 GND 12 I 4 core + 0 ÷ 4 LEDR 1 O RED LED Driver - Low whenlight should be on. LEDG 1 O GREEN LED Driver - Low when LED should beon. DSCKMN 1 I CN_GND_DET 1 I Coin line GND Detect CN_VLT_SLT 1 O CoinVoltage Select CN_POLARITY 1 O Coin ti Polarity CN_VLT_APP 1 O CoinVoltage Apply TEST 1 I Test Mode SAFE_CLOCK 1 I Clock for test mode.MODE 1 I Mode select pin. Processor run or internal state machine. Total107

In Table 5, the notation BB indicates backplane signals, CD indicatesDSLAC™ device signals, P indicates processor signals, EE indicatesEEPROM signals, and M indicates memory signals.

In addition to TIUA 880, a serial PROM, which may be a XilinxCorporation part number XC17256, is utilized in connection with theprogramming. This serial PROM is illustrated in FIG. 17 and indicated byreference character 880-A.

In addition to the signal and power pins set forth above in Table 5,Table 6 below indicates the pins required for programming along with thesignal name. The table also includes a description of the programmingfunction being performed as well as whether the pin is an input/outputor both.

TABLE 6 Signal Name Pin # IO Description PROG 74 I/O Pulling this lowstarts a program cycle. It has an internal pull up. It is not needed forpower up configuration, since the Xilinx will automatically load onpower-up. It might be useful to connect it to the HC11, however notnecessary. CCLK 107 O This is the clock for downloading. It should beconnected to the PROM. DIN 105 I Serial data in from the PROM. DONE 72I/O High state indicates finished programming. As an input it is capableof delaying the programming process. This pin should be connected to thelow asserting chip select of the PROM. INIT_(—) 53 I/O An externalpull-up resistor is recommended for this pin (5k). This output lowindicates an error occurred during load. It can be connected to thereset pin of the PROM in order to start the address counter over. M0,36, 34, 48 I These are mode pins which set the M1, M2 Xilinx chip forwhich type of download is to be used. For serial master mode they allshould be grounded. If this mode is used for lab serial download thenthese can be hardwired. HDC 40 O High During Configuration. This pin canbe used as regular I/O during normal operation, or can be used for theHDC signal only, or not at all. This signal might be useful to theprocessor for knowledge about the current state of the ASIC. LDC 44 OHigh During Configuration. This pin can be used as regular I/O duringnormal operation, or can be used for the LDC signal only, or not at all.This signal might be useful to the processor for knowledge about thecurrent state of the ASIC. Total 10

The communications between BNUCC 800 and its associated UVG card 140A isprovided over bus 882A as illustrated in the FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring toFIG. 3, the communication channel includes on a first lead downstreamTDM information indicated by TDMDD, providing data for the sixsubscriber lines. The second channel, the upstream TDM serial bus, isindicated by TDMDU, contains data from the six subscriber line circuitsin control and query inserts for the BNUCC800. This bus is tristatedwhen TIUA 880 is not actively driving data onto the bus. This allowsother cards to share this bus.

Next, a clock signal is provided to the TIUA 880 over bus indicatedTDMCLK, this being the main system clock which operates at 4.096 MHz.Finally, a sync signal is provided to TIUA 880 via the bus indicatedTDMFS.

This signal provides synchronization between TIUA 880 for communicationon the up and down buses. This signal has a code for frame sync and adifferent code for superframe sync. In FIG. 7 the downstream frame syncis indicated by reference character 936. The superframe will occur everyeight frames. In FIG. 7 the superframe sync is indicated by referencecharacter 938. This signal is in the high state when not transmitting aframe sync code. The frame sync code is ($EA) which is 11101010, and thesuperframe code is ($CC) which is 1100. As used herein, $ indicateshexadecimal. When a correct frame code is received the next bit afterthe last bit of the frame code is taken as the first bit of the nextframe. Although in FIG. 7 the upstream and downstream words areillustrated as being in sync, the upstream and downstream data can beout of sync, through use of the offset parameter in the TIUA. The offsetdictates the number of clock cycles that the upstream is late.

The ability to have a timing offset with bit resolution between theupstream and downstream frames offers several advantages in bothminimizing transmission delay of voice signals as well as reducing theamount of memory needed to store frames of information. By being able toprovide a bit-wide offset, it is possible to access information as soonas it arrives without buffering an entire frame.

The ability to create bit resolution to decrease delays in otherportions of the system including the DSLAC™ devices can be accomplishedby placing a byte wide register in TIUA 880 which can be programmed fora delay corresponding to an integer number of clock cycles, providing inessence a fine timing control which can be used in conjunction with thebyte timing control found in commercially available DSLACs.

Common Control Interface

The BNUCC 800 is connected with TIUA 880 through a serial TDM bus. Thisbus is designed to support a maximum of six POTS interfaces. The BNUserial TDM bus consists of a common 4.096 MHz clock provided overTDMCLK, a common 125-us frame sync provided over TDMFS, an individualupstream TDM data provided over TDMDU and an individual downstream TDMdata provided over TDMDD.

Referring to FIG. 8, the frame sync marks the first bit of a frame (theMSB of the first timeslot). Each frame consists of 64 DS0's (ortimeslots) and grouped into 32 channels (2 DS0's per channel). The firstDS0 in a channel is the PCM TDM data and the second DS0 is itsassociated bit-orienting signaling. The first channel (#00) is reservedfor the frame OH and the last channel (#31) is reserved for the control.

The OH channel is used to monitor the performance of the link. Thesecond DS0 (sig DS0) is used for the bus parity checking. It containsthe result of a cumulative XOR for each byte in the frame. The firstbyte is inverted which is equivalent to starting with all ones insteadof all zeroes.

There are two control timeslots: CTL #1 and CTL #2. CTL #1 DS0 (@channel #31 data DS0) is used to perform slow access protocol to theTIUA hardware. CTL #2 DS0 (@ channel #31 sig DS0) is reserved except forthe top two MSbs. The MSb indicates if an upstream parity error hasoccurred. It is a one if an error occurred last frame. The second MSbindicates an AIS error when high(on-one). The third MSb indicates anPower error when high(on-one). This will be put in a register for thelocal processor to read along with the upstream parity error. Theupstream data carries just the message and the Parity Error bit.

The CTLl channel uses the 1-ms superframe dimension to create two 4-bytemessages per superframe for a simple control/response protocol betweenBNUCC 800 & TIU.

Referring to FIG. 8, a single frame, indicated by reference character931, is illustrated. Also illustrated is the downstream data channelTDMDD indicated by reference character 932, the sync channel TDMFSdenoted 934 and the clock (TDMCLK) at 940. Within frame 931, there isincluded, as mentioned above, channel 31 which includes two control timeslots, CTL #1 and CTL #2 indicated in FIG. 8 by reference characters 960and 962. Frame 931 includes channels 0 to 31, in FIG. 8 channel 0 beingindicated by reference characters 950 and 952. Similarly, channel 1 isindicated by reference characters 954 and 956. Referring to FIG. 9A,channel #31 downstream is illustrated, and it will be appreciated thatDS0-1 may be used for a multi-frame message for providing controlsignals to TIUA 880. Similarly, referring to FIG. 9B, channel 31 is alsoused for a multi-frame message in the upstream direction.

The format for an up-stream control message is illustrated in FIG. 9C.As used herein, the eight frames illustrated in FIG. 9C are referred toas a superframe. An example of commands and addresses for upstream anddownstream messaging is illustrated in FIG. 9D.

An advantage of the commands and addresses for upstream and downstreammessaging is that they can be implemented in a software based line cardin which a microprocessor and external memory are present, but aredesigned such that a simple hardware based machine (e.g. TIUA 880) canbe used. This is accomplished by using short codes, as illustrated inFIG. 9D. Elimination of the microprocessor and associated memory wouldhave obvious cost advantages.

In a preferred embodiment, downstream messages contain a command byte toindicate the action to be taken, and upstream replies are generatedusing the downstream command byte plus the hexadecimal value of $80.Upstream messages which do not require data to be transmitted from thecard repeat the data sent in the downstream to allow BNUCC 800 toconfirm that the messages were properly received.

II. Universal Voice Grade Card Initialization

A. Universal Voice Grade initialization overview

The basic operation of the UVG card 140 can be understood from FIG. 10,which illustrates the steps which can occur when a UVG card 140 isinstalled in BNU 110A. Upon installation, the a check parity bytes stepA0 is performed on signals coming from the UVG card 140. A parity bytetest A4 is performed by BNUCC 800 to determine if the parity bytes arecorrect. The parity byte is calculated through a cumulative xor for eachbyte in the frame. The first byte is inverted which is equivalent tostarting with all ones instead of all zeros. An example of this is if ina given frame all the bytes in the frame are zero except for the parityfor the previous frame, the parity for this frame will be the parity ofthe previous frame inverted. This means that if the given parity was(10011001) the new parity would be (01100110). To further describe thisprocess a list of the calculated parity versus data in a frame is shownbelow. (All values are in hexadecimal and the frame is assumed to startat the first data value.)

Data :01:10:FF:AA.

Parity :FE:EE:11:BB.

If correct, card identification A8 takes place, by requesting the UVGcard 140 type and revision which is typically stored in EEPROM 886. Inthe event that the parity byte test A4 is failed another iteration ofcheck parity bytes A0 will be performed, since it may be the case thatthe UVG card 140 has not been inserted in the BNU 110 yet, or has notbeen powered up.

After card identification A8 an authentication step may occur, whereby acryptographic key or function is utilized to generate a signature forthe card which identifies the card as an authentic product which isknown to meet the required reliability and quality standards. Theauthentication A8 occurs local to the UVG card 140.

The results of the authentication A8 are transmitted to the BNUCC 800and may also be transmitted to the BDT 100. An authentic card test A16is performed to determine if the results of the authentication A8 arecorrect, which effectively amounts to the checking of the signature ofthe card. The BNUCC 800 or the BDT 100 may determine in the authenticcard test A16 that the card has failed authentication A17, or if thecard is determined to be authentic the system will move to cardself-test A20.

Card self-test A20 may involve the downloading of a self-test seed fromthe BNUCC 800 or BDT 100 to the TIUA 880 which begins a self-testprocedure to insure the integrity of the circuitry, the connections tothe printed circuit board of the UVG card 140, and the functionality ofsome or all of the circuitry and components on UVG card 140.

Subsequent to the self-test A20, a self-test pass test A24 is performedin either the BNUCC 800 or the BDT 100. This test may be as simple ascomparing a short test result of a few bytes with an expected testresult which is stored in the BNUCC 800 or the BDT 100, or comparison ofa long sequence of several hundred bytes generated by the self-test witha long stored sequence. In any embodiment, the end result will be adetermination that the UVG card is or is not working properly. In theevent that the card is not working properly it is considered to havefailed self-test A20. If the card has been determined to be workingproperly it will advance to download software A28.

After plug-in, power-on, or reset, UVG card 140 will have sufficientfunction to interpret the following datalink messages: Read Memory,Write Memory, Start, Set Upstream Offset, Unlock, and Reset. Table 6Abelow sets forth the datalink function codes.

TABLE 6A Datalink Function Codes #define cD1FuncNil 0 /* Nil function */#define cD1FuncRead 1 /* Read memory */ #define cD1FuncWrite 2 /* Writememory */ #define cD1FuncOffset 3 /* Set upstream offset */ #definecD1FuncGo 4 /* Run loaded code */ #define cD1FuncTestLpbk 0x22 /* Testloopback */ #define cD1FuncUnlock 0x55 /* Unlock message interface */#define cD1UnlockAddr 0x1234 /* Address value for unlock */ #definecD1UnlockData 0x77 /* Data value for unlock */ #define cD1FuncReset 0x69/* Command for reset */ #define cD1ResetAddr 0x5ab3 /* Address value forreset */ #define cD1ResetData 0x96 /* Data value for reset */ #definecD1ReplyBit 0x80 /* Attach this bit to indicate r #if 0 #definecTiuLoadAddr 0x1600 /* Where TIU downloaded code goes */ #else #definecTiuLoadAddr 0x2000 /* Where TIU downloaded code goes */ #endif

In a microcontroller/software mechanization as described herein, thisfunction is implemented by software loaded at the time of manufacture,into a non-volatile memory (e.g. one-time programmable ROM) inmicrocontroller chip 884, and by hardware (fixed logic or programmablefrom an on-board non-volatile memory). In a hardware mechanization, thiswould be provided by fixed logic, or by programmable logic loaded froman on-board non-volatile memory.

After plug-in, power-on, or reset, the datalink to the UVG card disablesall functions with the exception of Reset and Unlock. This guardsagainst false datalink actions during insertion and startup transientconditions. UVG card 140 includes a non-volatile identification memoryU19 accessible via registers mapped into the address space accessiblevia the datalink to the UVG card. The current mechanization maps theserial access pins (chip select, serial clock, serial input, and serialoutput) of the memory device U19 directly into bits in TIUA 880registers; TIUA registers (address range $8xxx) are accessible via theUVG and datalink Read Memory and Write Memory functions.

BNUCC 800 provides a UVG card activity detector, which detectstransitions on the upstream TDM bus (TDMDU) separately for each UVG cardslot in the BNU.

When BNUCC 800 software observes a sufficient period of activity on aUVG card upstream bus, it assumes a UVG card is present, and beginssupervision of the card.

BNUCC 800 software sends an Unlock message on the datalink. Thisprovides a distinctive pattern (1 in 2{circumflex over ( )}32probability of false indication assuming random content in all messagefields) which instructs the UVG card to allow all subsequent datalinkoperation types.

BNUCC software sends a Set Upstream Offset message on the datalink. Thisallows the UVG card to set its upstream PCM bus offset, which isnecessary for upstream UVG card datalink messaging to function properly.

BNUCC 800 software reads the identification of the UVG card, via theabove described datalink access to the serial identification memory U19.

BNUCC 800 software may either interpret the UVG card identification andauthentication directly, or may forward these responsibilities to theBDT 100, or the effort may be duplicated or combined between BNUCC 800and BDT 100.

BNUCC 800 or BDT software selects an appropriate image of software, orof programmable state machine control, for the specific type andrevision of UVG card hardware indicated and retrieves in the above stepin which the UVG card identification memory U19 was read.

BNUCC 800 obtains this image, either from its own non-volatile memory,or piecewise from its communication link with the BDT 100, and sendsthis image byte-by-byte to the UVG card, using Write Memory commands onthe UVG card datalink.

Integrity of receipt of the image by UVG card may be verified byobserving the Write Memory reply messages returned by the UVG card, andcomparing these with the expected sequence of addresses. This stepprovides an early and rapid indication of gross failures in the UVG cardmicrocontroller or hardware.

Integrity of receipt of the image by the UVG card may be furtherverified by performing a sequence of Read Memory messages to the card,observing the returned responses, and comparing them to the values ateach address in the image. This step can provide an indication offailures in UVG card memory—particularly addressing failures.

BNUCC 800 software sends a Start message to the UVG card. For themicrocontroller mechanization described herein, the address field of theStart message contains an address for the UVG card microcontroller tojump to, to start the downloaded software. For a state machineimplementation, this might contain a starting state machine code oraddress. BNUCC 800 software sends an Unlock message. This unlock thedatalink for the running software or state machine. BNUCC 800 softwaresends a Set Upstream Offset message. This sets the upstream offset forthe running software or state machine. BNUCC 800 software sendsper-board and per-line provisioning information, using Write Memorydatalink commands to the pseudo-registers area located in range $9xxx.BNUCC 800 software sets per-line force-state controls in theprovisioning information by the above described mechanism, to set eachline's state machine running in the appropriate initial state. Uponreceiving provisioning or service state changes from BDT 100, BNUCC 800software may from time to time set the per-line force-state controls toforce line states to new values (states suitable for out-of-service, orin-service conditions).

B. Universal Voice Grade card authentication

Card authentication A16 of the UVG card 140 may be based on one orseveral of many well known encryption techniques. In utilizing theseencryption techniques, a secret key is stored in the UVG card 140, andtypically within the TIUA 880. Upon requesting authentication by the BDT100 or the BNUCC 800, the secret key is used to compute a signature,either by using a mathematical one-way function whose inverse isdifficult to copy, or by using a initialization key generated by the BDT100 or BNUCC 800. The signature may be calculated within the TIUA 880,the microcontroller 884, or a combination of these devices. Thesignature is the result which is sent to the BDT 100 or BNUCC 800 forthe authentic card test A16.

Cryptographic techniques have been researched extensively and are wellunderstood by those skilled in the art. The article by James L. Masseyentitled “An Introduction to Contemporary Cryptology,” and published inthe Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 76, no. 5, May 1988, describes anumber of cryptographic techniques, as does Federal InformationProcessing Standards Publication 186, Digital Signature Standard (DSS).The following US patents also describe cryptographic techniques: U.S.Pat. No. 5,231,668 by Kravitz entitled “Digital Signature Algorithm”;U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,770 by Hellman et. al. entitled “CryptographicApparatus and Method,” issued on Apr. 29, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,582by Hellman et al. entitled “Public Key Cryptographic Apparatus andMethod,” issued on Aug. 19, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,829 by Rivest etal., entitled “Cryptographic Communications System and Method,” issuedon Sep. 20, 1983; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,414 by Hellman et al.,entitled “Exponentiation Cryptographic Apparatus and Method,” issued onJan. 3, 1984. The aforementioned article and US patents are allincorporated herein by reference.

Although the key within the UVG card 140 may be a stored secret key or asecret key sent through a secure means, the key may actually be theresult of a self-test or secret function contained within TIUA 880. Inthis case cryptographic methods may be used to calculate and transmit asignature to the BNUCC 800 or BDT 100, but originate as part of the cardself-test A20.

The authentication is not limited to one particular embodiment, but canbe a combination of the self-test and a cryptographic technique.Similarly, the card self-test A20 can be considered to be cardauthentication AI2 when the self-test includes a function which servesas a key. In this alternate embodiment, the authentication A12 and cardself-test A20 steps shown in FIG. 10 are combined, as are the authenticcard test A16 and the self-test pass test A20. Failure to pass eitherone of these combined test results in a state which is the combinationof failed authentication A17 and failed self-test A21.

C. Universal Voice Grade card test

1. Ring Generator Test

Because the ring generator 890 is a critical component of the UVG card140 an individual test to determine that it is operating properly can beperformed. In one embodiment of the ring generator test a constantduty-cycle pulse train is applied as the digital pulse train signal 892,with the result being a constant dc-voltage output as the ringingvoltage signal 896. In this embodiment at least two different constantduty-cycle pulse trains, generated by circuitry in the TIUA 880 areapplied to the ring generator 890, with the result being two distinct DCvoltages which appear as the ringing voltage signal 896. Test circuitryin the BNUCC800 looks for these two DC voltage levels. This test canthus be used to verify that the ring generator is functioning correctly.Test circuitry for measuring DC voltage levels is well understood bythose skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the tested variable may be the frequency of the ringinginstead of the voltage amplitude. This method has several advantages.The hardware for this test type is kept to the current circuit which issimple and fits on the common control card already. The change in theTIUA is simpler than the changing amplitude method. To support this typeof testing the TIUA will have ring frequency programmability. Thegenerator will be able to switch from 20 Hz to other frequencies. TheCommon Control software will be able to confirm that the predeterminedsequence of frequencies is being followed, or that the TIUA respondscorrectly to frequency commands. The ring generator will be tested forcorrectly generating various frequencies and potentially different pulsewidths. If the ring generator circuit is functioning correctly it willbe able to generate all of the expected frequencies.

2. TIUA Self-test

The following method provides in-system testing for valid andoperational UVG cards. The basic concept for this scheme is for BDT 100to send a datalink message to BNUCC 800 which includes a seed value. TheBNUCC 800 then sends this seed to, for example, line card 140A. The seedis used along with a built in seed as the starting point of a linearfeedback shift register (LFSR). The output of the LFSR will then fill asubset of the TIUA scan chain. The subset is chosen to avoid conflictswith the BNUCC800 communications and line service functionality. Thechosen subset circuit is clocked N times to generate a next state of thecircuit. This next state is then sent upstream in its entirety to BNUCC800 via the message portion of the BNUCC800-line card interface. TheBNUCC 800 in turn sends this data upstream to BDT 100 via the datalink.The step where the TIUA 880 generates internal next states based on theLFSR can be repeated a number of times to generate a sufficiently longdata stream from TIUA 880 to provide acceptable coverage.

The method used by BDT 100 to check the data stream generated in thisfashion is flexible. It can consist of actually checking the entire bitstream or a nonlinear transform of the data against a lookup table heldin memory. This method allows for the verification table to be updatedand or expanded at any time during the life of the product since it isheld in software, and the LFSR in the TIUA along with the logic isentirely deterministic.

D. State machine description, operation and downloading

State machine description and operation

The state machine on each UVG line card provides control functionalityfor each of the subscriber circuits 812 on UVG card 140. As pointed outabove, the state machine for a line card may be implemented usinginternal state machine 604 in TIUA 880, or by the combination of ipinterface 605 and microcontroller 884 (FIG. 3). The state machine on agiven UVG card 140 can control six subscriber circuits, as realized inthree dual line UVG circuits 812. The state machine interprets signalingcoming from the PSTN switch 10 and controls the subscriber circuit toprovide for ringing, and monitors the subscriber line via the tip lead266 and ring lead 268 to determine when the telephone 185 is on-hook andoff-hook. The state machine uses information from the PSTN switch 10along with the telephone 185 status to configure the subscriber circuitappropriately for each state and to transition from one state toanother.

FIG. 11 illustrates the various states which are utilized in aloop-start UVG circuit, in which signaling is indicated by the closingof the subscriber loop through the formation of a closed circuitbetween, for example, tip lead 266A and the ring lead 268A. In FIGS. 11and 12, the text in all capital letters in the states indicates receivedsignalling information. FIG. 12 illustrates the states which areutilized in a ground-start UVG circuit, in which a ground is applied tothe tip lead 266A or ring lead 268A as a signaling method. In FIG. 12,the dashed lines represent ground start mode information.

Referring to FIG. 12, the power down state B0 is the initial state whenthe subscriber circuit has been set in power down mode by themicrocontroller 884. This state may be the result of the subscribercircuit not having been provisioned or activated yet, or a fault orpower supply problem in the BNU 110.

The ground start idle state B1 occurs only when the subscriber circuitis a ground-start circuit, and is the default state when the circuit isoperational but there is no activity on the subscriber line, whichcorresponds to no ringing and the handset of telephone 185 beingon-hook.

The ring ground state B6 occurs only when the subscriber circuit is aground-start circuit, and corresponds to the ring lead 268 beinggrounded. This state reflects the fact that the subscriber is requestingdial tone to place a call.

The stand-by state B4 is the nominal state for loop-start circuits whenthe telephone 185 is on-hook and not ringing.

The off-hook state B12 occurs when the handset of the telephone 185 isin the off-hook position, due to the fact that the subscriber isinitiating a call, or because a call has arrived as indicated byringing, and the subscriber has answered the call.

The forward disconnect state B16 typically indicates that the otherparty in a communication has hung-up by placing the handset of thatparty's telephone on-hook. The forward disconnect signal is particularlyuseful for answering machines, modems, and fax machines since itindicates to that equipment that the communication has finished.

The on-hook state B8 occurs when the subscriber has returned the handsetof the telephone to the on-hook position, but before the subscribercircuit is placed in stand-by state B4. The on-hook state may also occuras part of pulse dialing, in which the dial pulses are formed by on-hooksignals from the telephone 185 dial circuit. Similarly, a flash-hooksignal is communicated to the PSTN switch 10 via the on-hook state.

In the ringing state B20 the ringing voltage 896 is being applied to theline via the solid state relay 910, causing the telephone 185 to ring.

The ring release state B24 occurs when the line has been in a ringingstate B20, and is being signaled to remove the ringing voltage 896. Thismay be because a ring trip has occurred (indicating that the callingparty has answered the line), there is an off period in the ringingsequence corresponding to the normal cadenced ringing, or a system faulthas occurred which has caused the system to intervene to remove ringingto avoid being in a constant ringing mode. The ring release state B24also provides a 25 ms period (½ of a ring cycle) during which time theringing voltage 896 remains removed by the solid state relay 910. TheSLIC 906 can be reconnected to the subscriber circuit by the solid staterelay subsequent to this 25 ms period in the ring release state B24.

The ring silent state B28 represents the silent period between ringsignals. Typically the ring cadence is 2 seconds on and 4 seconds off.If the subscriber circuit is in the ring silent state for more than 5seconds it is assumed that the calling party has hung-up and that forloop-start circuits the subscriber circuit should return to the stand-bystate B4. For ground-start circuits the system will return to theground-start idle state B1.

The circuit state variables and the signaling they provide are definedin Table 7. From this table it can be seen that signaling is generatedin the upstream direction (to the PSTN switch 10) and control signals tocontrol the solid state relays implemented by LCAS A (910A) and LCAS B(910B), ring generator 890, DSLAC™ device 900A/B, and SLIC circuits 906Aand 906B. Tables 7-17 provide detailed descriptions of the statevariable, condition, and value for each of the state variable for eachof the states shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Table 18 gives the statetransition signaling conditions and the transitions which take place.

The state machine is completely downloadable from BNUCC 800.

TABLE 7 Circuit state variables and definitions Circuit State VariableDefinition UPSIG Upstream ABCD signaling message that the line circuitshould be sending SLIC Bits State that the SLIC should/may be set to forthis state. Batt Select State of the battery (i.e. On-hook or Off-hookbattery) LCAS Bits State that the LCAS control bits should be set to forthis state. RING_EN State of the Ring Generator enable lead (low trueenable) BUSY LED State of the BUSY LED (high/low true not defined yet)DSLAC™ device Power Up/Down: Command sent over serial bus DNSIG (Valid)Valid downstream ABCD signaling messages that the line circuit mayreceive IDET Expected indication on IDET lead from SLIC. [e.g.On-Hook/Off-Hook]

TABLE 8 Power Down or Unequipped state description State VariableCondition Value UPSIG Loop Open [ABCD = 0101] SLIC Bits OPEN CIRCUIT[C3C2C1 = 000] Batt Select −48 V [B2EN = 1] LCAS Bits Idle [TESTIN = 0,TESTOUT = 0, RING = 0,] RING_EN OFF [RNG_EN* = 1] BUSY LED OFF DSLAC™device Power Down [Serial Data Link command] DNSIG (Valid) Don't CareIDET Ignore

TABLE 9 GS Idle state description State Variable Condition Value UPSIGLoop Open [ABCD = 0101] SLIC BITS Tip Open [C3C2C1 = 1001 Batt Select−48 V [B2EN = 1] LCAS Bits Idle [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 0, RING = 0]RING_EN OFF [RNG EN* = 1] BUSY LED OFF DSLAC™ device Power Down [SerialData Link command] DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCE, RNG IDET No Ring Ground

TABLE 10 Ring Ground state description State Variable Condition ValueUPSIG Ring Ground [ABCD = 0000] SLIC BITS Tip Open [C3C2C1 = 100] BattSelect −48 V [B2EN = 1] LCAS Bits Idle [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 0, RING =0] RING_EN OFF [RNG_EN* = 1] BUSY LED ON DSLAC™ device Power Down[Serial Data Link command] DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCF IDET Ring Ground

TABLE 11 Stand-By State Variable Condition Value UPSIG Loop Open [ABCD =0101] SLIC BITS StandBy [C3C2C1 = 101] Batt Select −48 V [B2EN = 1] LCASBits Idle [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 0, RING = 0] RING_EN OFF RNG_EN* = 1]BUSY LED OFF DSLAC™ device Power Down¹ [Serial Data Link command] DNSIG(Valid) LCFO, LCF, RNG {LCFO only for GS lines} IDET On-Hook ¹If theline is provisioned for full-time on-hook transmission, then the DSLAC™device must be in the power up mode in the Stand-By state.

TABLE 12 Off-Hook [Conversation] state description State VariableCondition Value UPSIG Loop Closed [ABCD = 1111] SLIC BITS ACTIVE/REVERSE[C3C2C1 = 010/110] Batt Select −24 V [B2EN = 0] LCAS Bits Idle [TESTIN =0, TESTOUT = 0, RING = 0] RING_EN OFF [RNG EN* = 1] BUSY LED ON DSLAC™device Power Up [Serial Data Link command] DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCF, RLCFIDET Off-Hook

TABLE 13 On-Hook state description State Variable Condition Value UPSIGLoop Open [ABCD = 0101] SLIC BITS Active/Reverse [C3C2C1 = 010/110] BattSelect −24 V [B2EN = 0] LCAS Bits Idle [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 0, RING =0] RING_EN OFF [RNG_EN* = 1] BUSY LED OFF DSLAC™ device Power Up [SerialData Link command] DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCF, RLCF IDET On-Hook

TABLE 14 Forward Disconnect state description State Variable ConditionValue UPSIG Loop Closed [ABCD = 1111] SLIC BITS TIP OPEN [C3C2C1 = 100]Batt Select −48 V [B2EN = 1] LCAS Bits Idle [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 0,RING = 0] RING_EN OFF [RNG_EN* = 1] BUSY LED OFF DSLAC™ device Power Up[Serial Data Link command] DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCF IDET ON-Hook TheUPSIG bits must indicate loop closed, even though the line shall beindicating an on-hook condition

TABLE 15 Ringing state description State Variable Condition Value UPSIGLoop Open [ABCD = 0101] SLIC BITS Ringing [C3C2C1 = 001] Batt Select −48V [B2EN = 1] LCAS Bits Ringing [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 0, RING = 1]RING_EN ON [RNG_EN* = 0] BUSY LED OFF DSLAC™ device Power Down [SerialData Link command] DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCF, RNG IDET On-Hook

TABLE 16 Ringing Release state description State Variable ConditionValue UPSIG Loop Open [ABCD = 0101] SLIC BITS ACTIVE [C3C2C1 = 010] BattSelect −24 V [B2EN = 0] LCAS Bits All Off [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 1, RING= 1] RING_EN ON [RNG_EN* = 0] BUSY LED ON/OFF On or Off, depending uponUPSIG condition DSLAC™ device Power Down [Serial Data Link command]DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCF, RNG RNG would be received only during a ringtrip IDET On-Hook/Ignore

TABLE 17 Ringing Silent state description State Variable Condition ValueUPSIG Loop Open [ABCD = 0101] SLIC BITS ACTIVE [C3C2C1 = 010] BattSelect −24 V [B2EN = 0] LCAS Bits Idle [TESTIN = 0, TESTOUT = 0, RING =0] RING_EN ON [RNG_EN* = 0] BUSY LED OFF DSLAC™ device Power Down/Up¹[Serial Data Link command] DNSIG (Valid) LCFO, LCF, RNG IDET On-Hook²¹If the line is provisioned for on-hook transmission, then the DSLAC™device must be in the power up mode in the Ring Silent state. ²Even ifthe line left the Ringing state because of a ring trip, the conditionsimposed by the circuit during the Ring Release state may result in theIDET lead providing an on-hook indication when it enters the Ring Silentstate. In the case of a ring trip, this indication shall change toOff-Hook in a short period of time.

TABLE 18 State transition signaling conditions and transitionsTransition Signaling State Condition Transition power down DNSIG = LCFNext State = Idle or DNSIG = LCFO Next State = GS Idle unequipped GSidle IDET = Ring Next State = Ring Ground Ground DNSIG = LCFO No change;Remain in GS Idle DNSIG = RNG Next State = Ringing DNSIG = LCF NextState = Stand-By (This usually will be followed by a ringing code) ringground IDET − Ring Remain in Ring Ground Ground IDET = No Return to GSIdle. Ring Gnd Assumes an abort of the call in progress DNSIG = LCF NextState = Off-Hook stand-by IDET = Off- Next State = Off-Hook Hook DNSIG =LCF Remain in Stand-By DNSIG = RNG Next State − Ringing DNSIG = RLCFIgnore DNSIG = LCFO Next State = GS Idle [GS lines only; Ignore for LSline] off-hook IDET = Off- Remain in current state [conversation] HookIDET = On- Next State − On-Hook Hook DNSIG = LCF Put SLIC in ACTIVEmode; remain in current state DNSIG = RNG Ignore DNSIG = RLCF Put SLICin REVERSE ACTIVE mode; remain in current state. DNSIG = LCFO Next Sate= Forward Disconnect on-hook IDET = On- Remain in current state HookIDET = Off- Next State = Off-Hook Hook DNSIG = LCF Put SLIC in ACTIVEmode; remain in current state DNSIG = RNG Next State = Ringing DNSIG =RCLE Put SLIC in REVERSE ACTIVE mode; remain in current state. DNSIG =LCFO Next State = GS Idle [GS Lines only; Ignore this for LS lines] 2second Next State = Stand-By TimeOut forward DNSIG = LCF Next State =Stand-By disconnect DNSIG = RNG Ignore DNSIG = RLCF Ignore DNSIG = LCFORemain in Current State 2 second Next State = Stand-By [LS TimeOut line]Next State = GS Idle [GS Line] ringing DNSIG = RNG Remain in currentstate IDET = On- Remain in current state Hook IDET = Off- Next State =Ring Release Hook DNSIG = LCF Next State = Ring Release DNSIG = RLCFIgnore DNSIG = LCFO Next State = Ring Release ring release IDET IgnoreIDET in this state DNSIG Ignore DNSIG in this state TimeOut Next State =Ring Silent ring silent IDET = On- Remain in current state Hook IDET =Off- Next State = Off-Hook Hook DNSIG = LCF Remain in current stateDNSIG = LCFO Next State = GS Idle DNSIG = RNG Next State = Ringing 5Second Next State = Stand-By TimeOut

E. Two-layer State Machine

In one embodiment of the present invention, the state machine is dividedinto two layers: a signalling preprocessing layer, and a main controllayer. The two layers are effectively independent state machines,coupled by minimal information; the signalling preprocessing layeraccepts TR-303 signalling from the digital transmission facility at a 3ms interval, and sends a conditioned and augmented TR-NWT-000303signalling code to the main control layer. The augmentation of theTR-NWT-000303 signalling code includes an additional code state toindicate the onset of trunk conditioning (response to transmissionfacility failure).

The signalling pre-processing state machine 2001 (FIG. 20) conditionsincoming telephony signalling states, furnishes this conditionedsignalling to the main state machine, and maintains a set of per-linealarm conditions. The alarm conditions may be retrieved as supplementaryoutputs from state machine 2001 to supervising equipment and systems.Conditioning and alarm processing of the signalling follow therequirements set down in Bellcore TR-NWT-000303 in combination withadditional information from Bellcore specifications TR-NWT-00057,TR-TSY-000008 and TA-NWT-000909, all of which are incorporated herein byreference, each in its entirety.

Each line's associated signalling arrives, per TR-NWT-000303 standards,at an interval of 3 ms. The incoming signalling for a given line may bereferred to as SigIn. Note that signalling processing for multiple linesper unit may be implemented in hardware by applying a single sharedstate machine control to input and output state information, which areconnected to the control in a rotating succession of time intervals. Theimplementation disclosed herein is in software which, for execution timeefficiency reasons, instantiates distinct code for each line, via amacro expansion which parameterizes common source code with the linenumber (e.g. variables named L1P.DSIG, L2P.DSIG et seq.). A hardwareimplementation could share the control logic at a succession of six 500microsecond intervals, yielding a service interval of 3 ms per line.

Incoming signalling is mapped through the programmable function tableSigInMap [SigIn] disclosed in Table 19 below to transform signallingcodes invalid for the specific type of service, into other signallingcodes such as an alarm indication signal (AIS). This mapped signal isreferred to herein as DSIG (Downstream Signalling). In the followingexample for normal POTS service the output code nomenclature follows thedecimal equivalent of the input code commentary along the ordinate ofTable 19. In Table 19, as well as in other portions of the disclosure,the following acronyms have the indicated meanings: RLCF denotes reverseloop current feed; CFA denotes carrier fail alarm; CGA denotes carriergroup alarm; DS0 denotes digital signal, level 0; LCF denotes loopcurrent feed; and LCFO denotes loop current feed open.

TABLE 19 SignInMap [ ] =  0, /* 0000: -R ringing */  2, /* 9001:undefined */  2, /* 0010: DS0 AIS */  2, /* 0011: undefined */  4, /*0100: RLCF */  5, /* 0101: LCF */  2, /* 0110: undefined */  7, /* 0111:DS0 Yellow */  2, /* 1000: reserved */  2, /* 1001: reserved */  2, /*1010: undefined */  2, /* 1011: undefined */  2, /* 1100: undefined */ 2, /* 1101: reserved */  2, /* 1110: undefined */ 15 /* 1111: LCF0 */

Pre-processing state machine 2001 maintains within each line's stateinformation, a history buffer of the mapped signalling described above.This is maintained as a 5-stage shift-register, shifted once per 3 mssignalling interval. State machine 2001 has individual access to eachstage of this buffer. These signals are referred to herein as DSM1(Downstream Signalling Minus 1), DSM2, DSM3, DSM4, and DSM5. Thissignalling history is used to implement the storage requirements forsignal freezing, unfreezing, and 4-intervals-valid and 2-intervals-validconfirmation described below.

The mapped signalling is also mapped a second time, through twoprogrammable tables which each represent single-valued Booleanfunctions. These functions (SigThawable [SigIn] (Table 20 below) andSigThawableWithYellow [SigIn] (Table 21 below)) are furnished as inputsto pre-processing state machine 2001 to control unfreezing ofsignalling. In Tables 20 and 21, which illustrate signalling for normalPOTS operation, 1 denotes TRUE.

TABLE 20 SigThawable [ ] = 1, /* 0000: -R ringing */ 0, /* 0001:undefined */ 0, /* 0010: DS0 AIS */ 0, /* 0011: undefined */ 1, /* 0100:RLCF */ 1, /* 0101: LCF */ 0, /* 0110: undefined */ 0, /* 0111: DS0Yellow */ 0, /* 1000: reserved */ 0, /* 1001: reserved */ 0, /* 1010:undefined */ 0, /* 1011: undefined */ 0, /* 1100: undefined */ 0, /*1101: reserved */ 0, /* 1110: undefined */ 1 /* 1111: LCFO */

TABLE 21 SigThawableWithYellow [ ] 1, /* 0000: -R ringing */ 0, /* 0001:undefined */ 0, /* 0010: DS0 AIS */ 0, /* 0011: undefined */ 1, /* 0100:RLCF */ 1, /* 0101: LCF */ 0, /* 0110: undefined */ 1, /* 0111: DS0Yellow */ 0, /* 1000: reserved */ 0, /* 1001: reserved */ 0, /* 1010:undefined */ 0, /* 1011: undefined */ 0, /* 1100: undefined */ 0, /*1101: reserved */ 0, /* 1110: undefined */ 1 /* 1111: LCFO */

Signalling pre-processing state machine 2001 maintains in each line'sstate information, a state register denoted PPState. The embodimentdescribed herein requires 7 states. Signalling pre-processing statemachine 2001 also maintains in each line's state information a timer(PPTimer) which can be set by the state machine output function, whichdecrements once every 3 ms (stopping after it decrements to zero), andwhich can be tested for zero/non-zero value by the state machine'scontrol function. A single signal, InFacRed, applies across all lines,and indicates that the incoming transmission facility is unusable (infacility red alarm).

A complete set of transition-affecting inputs to signallingpre-processing state machine 2001, with respect to a given line, is:PPState, PPTimer, DSIG, DSM1, DSM2, DSM3, DSM4, DSM5, the twoprogrammable Boolean function table results SigThawable [SigIn] andSigThawableWithYellow [SigIn], and the signal InFacRed, which appliesequally to all lines. Reference character 2001 is used to denote a statemachine which may be implemented as described above.

Referring to FIG. 20, the first output of signalling pre-processingstate machine 2001, with respect to a given line is the processedsignalling, called CurDsig (current downstream signalling). Thissignalling consists of the ABCD signalling code set specified byTR-NWT-000303 for the given type of service, plus an additional state toindicate trunk conditioning. Trunk conditioning is mutually exclusivewith the other signalling code states. The second output of statemachine 2001, with respect to a given line, is a set of alarm bits:Freeze (signalling being frozen), TC (Trunk Conditioning), TCNY(suppress yellow while in trunk conditioning), CFA (Carrier Fail Alarm),CGAAIS (Carrier Group Alarm: AIS cause), CGAYEL (Carrier Group Alarm:Yellow cause), CGARED (Carrier Group Alarm, incoming facility failurecause).

The state machine control is illustrated in the diagram of FIG. 12A. Thenodes of the diagram are labelled by the state names. The arcs of thediagram are labelled by a transition condition. Table 22 below explainsthe meaning of the transition conditions in FIG. 12A.

TABLE 22 Transition Conditions T2sec Expiration of timer set to 2seconds at state entry T3.25sec Expiration of timer set to 3.25 secondsat state entry T15sec Expiration of timer set to 15 seconds at stateentry FacRed InFacRed signal TRUE FacRed InFacRed signal FALSE Sig2AisDSIG and DSM1 both equal to DS0 AIS Sig2Yel DSIG and DSM1 both equal toDS0 Yellow Sig4val = (SigThawable[DSIG] TRUE) and (DSIG = DSM1 = DSM2 =DSM3) Sig4valY (SigThawableWithYellow DSIG]TRUE) and (DSIG = DSM1 = DSM2= DSM3)

In case two or more of the above transition conditions shall be TRUEupon evaluation, the transition for the lowest-numbered TRUE conditionin Table 23 below will be the one taken.

TABLE 23 1. FacRed/˜FacRed 2. Sig4valY 3. Sig4val = 4. Sig2Ais 5.Sig2Yel 6. Timer expiration

The states of the pre-processing state machine 2001 are assigned asdescribed below in Table 24.

TABLE 24 State Definitions C0 OK normal signalling state C1 FreezeAfreeze signalling due to Ais condition C2 FreezeR freeze signalling dueto facility Red condition C3 Yellow CGA-YEL(low) state C4 AIS CGA-AISstate C5 Red CGA-RED state C6 RedClr 15 second stretch while clearingCGA-RRD

The alarm outputs of state machine 2001 are defined in Table 25 below bythe function of the state. A “1” means the alarm is asserted.

TABLE 25 Alarm Outputs CGA- CGA- CGA- State Freeze TC TCNY CFA AIS YELRED C0 0K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 C1 FreezeA 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 C2 Freezer 1 0 0 0 0 00 C3 Yellow 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 C4 AIS 1 1 0 I 1 0 0 C5 Red 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 C6RedClr 1 1 0 1 0 0 1

The all-zeroes state of Table 25 indicates that no alarms are raised forthe given line and signalling is passed through from pre-processingstate machine 2001 to the main state machine. Signalling pre-processingstate machine 2001 is in control of the signalling sent to the mainstate machine. The least-recently received entry of the signallinghistory shift register buffer, DSM5, is mapped through programmablefunction table SigFreezeTo[ ] (Table 26 below), to create signallingcode FSIG (frozen signalling), which is maintained within the per-linestate information. The SigFreezeTo[ ] map of Table 26 determines thefrozen signalling value to be used during a signal freeze interval. Aspecific example of rationale for this function is to map ringingsignalling (code 0) to loop current feed (code 5) so as not to ringtelephones during a signalling freeze. Table 26 below is illustrativefor normal POTS service. The output code nomenclature follows thedecimal equivalent of the binary input code commentary along theordinate of the table:

TABLE 26 SigFreezeTo [ ] = 5, /* 0000: -R ringing */ 5, /* 0001:undefined */ 5, /* 001O: DS0 AIS */ 5, /* 0011: undefined */ 4, /* 0100:RLCF */ 5, /* 0101: LCF */ 5, /* 0110: undefined */ 5, /* 0111: DS0Yellow */ 5, /* 1000: reserved */ 5, /* 1001: reserved */ 5, /* 1010:undefined */ 5, /* 1011: undefined */ 5, /* 1100: undefined */ 5, /*1101: reserved */ 5, /* 1110: undefined */ 5 /* 1111: LCFO */

In Table 27 below, the processed signalling output of the signallingpre-processing state machine 2001 is defined by the following functionof the state. DSIG denotes DSIG as defined in 1 above, FSIG denotesmapped frozen signalling as described in Table 25 above, and TC denotesthe special trunk conditioning signalling code.

TABLE 27 State Signalling C0 OK DSIG C1 FreezeA PSIG C2 Freezer FSIG C3Yellow TC C4 AIS TC C5 Red TC C6 RedClr TC

F. Flexible State Machine

The state machine of the UVG card allows control of the telephone linebased on the signalling and line condition (e.g. off-hook or on-hook),and can be realized in the form of a software based state machine inwhich a microprocessor examines the various input states and timing anddetermines the appropriate output state. The advantage of the softwarebased state machine is that it can be altered by changing the code whichforms the state machine. The disadvantage of the software based statemachine is that it requires a microprocessor and RAM to be present onthe UVG card. The space and power required by the microprocessor, alongwith the cost, can make the microprocessor based UVG less than optimal.

An alternate mechanism for realizing a state machine is the hardwarestate machine, in which logic gates are hardwired in a configurationwhich forms the state machine. The advantage of such a state machine isthat it avoids the use of a microprocessor. The principal disadvantageof such a state machine is that once fabricated, the state machinecannot be modified. Since there are small but significant differences inthe signalling formats of different telephone switches, it may benecessary to make changes to insure proper telephone line operation.

An embodiment which avoids the disadvantages of the software andhardware state machines is the flexible state machine, in which a numberof variables can be programmed into registers on the UVG card, which ina preferred embodiment are in TIUA 880. These registers containinformation which in combination with one or more simple logicoperations, form a state machine. By changing the variables, theparameters of the state machine can be varied. The programming of theseregisters can be accomplished by BNUCC 800.

This method involves setting up a list of state structures which containinformation specific to the state and all branch information. In thefollowing statement, A and B represent two bit sets which specify ineach branch which of the inputs need to be set and which need to be notset, respectively. This is depicted below.

Logically, the A and B compare works as follows:

X=input bits

If ((X&A)==A) & ((˜X&B)==B)) then Branch to ADDR

The data structure used in this method is defined in Table 28 belowusing pseudocode similar to programming language C, and therefore isclear to persons skilled in the art. As illustrated in Table 28, theinformation includes the Timer type, which indicates the time intervalswhich will determine a time out condition. The output variable controlsthe state of the line, for example, ringing. The number of branchesindicates the number of possible states which may transition to thepresent state. The branch information contains the specific inputvariable and timing parameters which need to be compared to determine ifa branch to a subsequent state should be made, and if so, what theaddress of the construct for that subsequent state is.

TABLE 28 State {   Timer type: //This is a type of output   Outputs;  Number of oBranches;   BRANCH;   oBRANCH; //optional branches };

Table 29 below illustrates the template for a data structure.

TABLE 29 BRANCH{  A; B; ADDR; };

The template of Table 29 is also described using a programming languagesimilar to language C. In Table 29, the A and B are utilized in thecomparison as described above to determine if a branch to a new addressis appropriate based on the X input bits. If no matches are found in thelist of BRANCHEs, then the state would stay the same.

A flag would indicate if it was the first time into the state and wouldset the timer to the specified value when it was. This avoids placingthe timer value in each of the branches which point to a particularstate.

The memory would be filled with a list of state constructs. The addressin the memory would serve as the state number. The address and timervalues would be saved when switching between the six lines. Only onecopy of the actual state machine would be needed in this way.

This method is quick. The only constraint would be the number ofbranches since this is a serial process. Since there are 1800 clocks perline, it is unlikely that this method could run into any sort of timetrouble, but it does use a fair amount of memory.

In order to find out how many bits a state machine would take todescribe in this method, the following formula is used: S=number ofstates. B=number of branches. N=number of bits.

N=(28*S)+(30*B)  Equation 1

Assume:

10 bits of input

20 bits of output

13 bit timer—At 1 ms per tick this gives up to 8 sec.

8 programmable values of times needed at most.

10 bit address

A state machine decision needs to be made every 3 ms. This leaves about1800 clocks per line.

Maximum of eight timer types.

Maximum of 32 branches.

The LS state machine which has eight states would take 644 bits.

The full state diagram would take 940 bits.

One possible way to save memory with this method is to use only a statenumber instead of an address for each branch. There would need to beadditional logic which would search the memory for each additional stateuntil it located the state number desired. This method would put a limiton the number of states, which otherwise would not exist. It would save5 bits per branch if the number of states was limited to 32. This methodwould thus save 105 bits on the full state machine.

To illustrate how the above method is utilized in connection with onebranch in the system disclosed herein, FIG. 21 illustrates a completeddata structure for the on-hook state description illustrated in Table 13above. Also a reference to FIG. 11 is helpful, in that we can see fromFIG. 11 that three possible branches from the on-hook state B8 areavailable, the first to ring (RNG), the second to off-hook and the thirdto standby. For the purposes of illustration, we will assume that branchnumber 1 is Ringing, then A would be selected to be 0000000000, and Bwould be selected, to be 1111000000. With the values for A and Bindicated, the branch to Ringing would be executed. If the inputscompared with the BRANCH #1 values do not result in a branch, a furthercomparison of the inputs with regard to branch decision, would beevaluated. If neither of those BRANCHEs were true, the state wouldremain the same.

III. Universal Voice Grade Card Circuit and Loop Testing

In the prior art, illustrated in FIG. 13, three relays were used toconnect the ringing bus 897, testing bus 912, and test out bus 914 tothe subscriber circuit. In the event that one or both of the line feedresistors 920 were open circuits due to excessive current, the channeltest which examines the signal integrity from the subscriber lineinterface circuit 906 would fail.

In a present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the use of a solid staterelay 910A which is in one location in the circuit with only line feedresistors 920A-1 and 920A-2 can result in false test results when thetwisted drop pair is tested, since if one or both the line feedresistors 920A-1 or 920A-2 are open circuits the twisted pair drop testwill indicate a high impedance line which will pass the test, althoughin reality the circuit is defective. In this case the channel testresults may indicate that the subscriber line interface circuit 906A andother circuitry on the UVG card 140 is functioning properly, althoughthe UVG card is actually not functional due to the open circuit linefeed resistor 920A-1 or 920A-2.

The present embodiment solves this problem by the use of drop testresistor 925 which is placed in a shunt position between the tip lead266A and ring lead 268A of the twisted pair drop cable 260. In the eventof an open circuit line feed resistor (920A-1, 920A-2), the twisted pairdrop test will indicate a very high impedance some minimum resistancewhich is due to the drop test resistor 925. An open circuit indicatesthat one or both of the line feed resistors are open. A suitable designchoice for the drop test resistor is 400 KΩ.

We claim:
 1. In a fiber-to-the-curb telecommunications system having avoice grade card for providing voice telecommunications services, amethod for controlling telephone line states, said method comprising thesteps of: a) storing output state information comprising line states; b)storing a variable which represents the number of branches; c) storingbranch condition information comprising signalling data, line status andtimer information which indicate branching conditions; d) storing branchaddress information; e) comparing said branch condition information todetermine if said branching conditions are met; and f) retrievingsubsequent output state information branch address information when saidbranching conditions are met.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of: g) repeating step e) until the time at which oneof said branch conditions are met.